Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Avokhani.
Hi Jaime, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My husband and I met while working at the JW Marriott hotel, where we shared a focus on hospitality and guest service. After adopting a vegan lifestyle, we participated in animal rights advocacy and community outreach. Observing a limited number of vegan options in our city, we decided to apply our hospitality experience to provide more choices. We started by holding food pop-ups at local breweries and farmers markets during our free time. At the 2018 Vegandale event in Downtown Houston, we introduced Vegan Pizzas prepared in a portable pizza oven, making 150 pizza crusts that sold out within two hours. Following this event, we determined there was potential to expand beyond food pop-ups and pursue a permanent location. In 2021, we left the hotel industry to open a restaurant in Sugar Land, Texas. Over the past three years, we have focused on serving the community and plan to continue developing both our business and participation in the vegan movement.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The process of opening the restaurant involved several difficulties. One notable challenge was the freeze that affected Houston in 2021. During this period, preparations were underway to remodel the kitchen area, but the restaurant had not yet opened for business. Severe weather conditions prevented access to the building for three days, making it impossible to assess its status. Upon returning, three burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures were discovered. Two water sources were shut off, while a third remained unnoticed until the landlord’s insurance remediation team assessed the building days later, revealing ongoing water leakage. The resulting issues from burst pipes and a power outage required a complete halt of remodeling work for mold remediation, delaying the opening by nearly six months. This situation also led to the identification and resolution of underlying building problems, allowing for a comprehensive renovation and the creation of a fully customized space.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pythagoras Conscious Food Philosophy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are the only fully vegan restaurant with full vegan bar located in the West Houston area. Our menu features a variety of offerings, including vegan pizzas and burgers, Persian cuisine, and additional plant-based dishes, craft cocktails and local craft beers. Our mission is to provide all guests—whether committed vegans or those interested in exploring plant-based options—with an exceptional dining experience. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and encouraged to explore new culinary experiences. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and innovative recipes designed to highlight the variety and complexity of vegan cuisine. Beyond serving food, our establishment aims to encourage connection, foster discovery, and promote a compassionate approach to dining.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network have been invaluable for us as small business owners. What worked well was actively participating in local business groups and attending community events, which allowed us to meet people who shared our values and offered valuable advice. We also reached out to others in the hospitality and restaurant industry, both in person and online, to exchange experiences and learn from their journeys. By being open about our challenges and seeking guidance, we formed meaningful relationships that provided us with encouragement and perspective. Our advice is to seek out those who inspire you, never hesitate to ask questions, and always be willing to support others in return.
Pricing:
- Lunch Specials
- Dinner Specials
- Happy Hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pythagoras.space
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pythagoras.space/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PythagorasConsciousFoodPhilosophy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pythagoras-conscious-food-philosophy-sugar-land?osq=pythagoras
Image Credits
Morgan Talbot
